Author: Emmanuel Obe

The traditional ruler of Oruma Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Pere John Tacha Abara, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for providing relief materials to alleviate the pains of flood victims in the area. The monarch, who spoke during the distribution of relief materials in his domain, noted that the impact of NDDC in his community and the entire Niger Delta region was laudable, describing NDDC’s intervention as capable of reducing hunger in the community. He stated, “We are indeed excited with the relief materials that have been sent to our community. It shows…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has elected Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa as its new state chairman. Dimkpa, a known ally of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, emerged at the party’s state congress held over the weekend, despite uncertainties surrounding the party’s national leadership. The congress took place in the wake of a court judgment that voided the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee of the party, a development that prompted some state chapters to suspend their congresses. However, the Rivers State chapter, aligned with Amaechi, proceeded with its exercise, culminating in Dimkpa’s emergence. The process was…

…demand accountability, fresh dialogue By Emmanuel Obe The Ijaw Women Rights Group has raised serious concerns over the deepening crisis within the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing recent developments as a “dangerous drift” that threatens the unity and integrity of the Ijaw nation. In a press release signed by Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, the group said growing public reactions labelling the situation as a setback reflect widespread anxiety among Ijaw people and should not be ignored. The group stressed that the strength of the Ijaw nation has always been anchored on unity, due process, and respect for constitutional frameworks, warning that…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Niger Delta. The Managing Director of the commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who stated this at the Niger Delta Arts and Culture Expo in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, stressed the need to continually promote the rich traditions of ethnic nationalities across the region. Ogbuku said the cultural event, whose theme was, “Rhythm of the Niger Delta: Music, Dance and the Heartbeat of Our People,” reflected Nigeria’s enduring strength in unity despite its diversity. The event brought together stakeholders and cultural groups from…

Ogoni leader and environment rights activist, Celestine Akpobari, has condemned the move by the Nigerian government to resume oil production in Ogoniland, saying the land was not yet to heal from the devastation caused by previous oil production. Akpobari, who spoke at the First 2026 Conversations Session of HOMEF, said it was insensitive of the Federal Government to push for oil production when the land had not healed. “The land is still poisoned, the spills haven’t stopped, and yet, the Federal Government is pushing to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland,” he said at the conversations tagged, “Ogoni Struggles: Past Wounds…

The famous Amaseikumor Festival has ended in Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta climaxed on Saturday with the public outing of the sacred Amaseikumor masquerade. The grand finale attracted a huge crowd of people from all walks of like to the riverside community, as the people exhibited their hospitality attributes. Events started at about noon when the spokesman and Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, delivered the welcome address, which he attributed the recent positive development of the Gbaramatu Kingdom to Tantita Security Services Limited, a company engaged in the security of…

Chief Godwin Gbenikanwa, the Fiowei and Spokesperson of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, has attributed most of the recent development of Gbaramatu Kingdom to Tantita Security Services Limited. The Fiowei, who spoke in a welcome speech he delivered at the grand finale of the 2026 Amaseikumor Festival at Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday, said it was unthinkable that people that had enormously benefited from Tantita Security Services Limited would step out to drag down the name of the company. Tantita is a major company contracted to secure oil pipelines in the Niger…

Thousands of women thronged Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, to benefit from an empowerment programme sponsored by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as part of activities marking the 2026 Amaseikumor Festival. The Amaseikumor Festival is an annual traditional celebration observed in Gbaramatu Kingdom to cleanse the land and reaffirm cultural values. The festival, presided over by the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, began on Monday, April 6, and climaxes today, Saturday, April 11, 2026. Throughout the week, the kingdom witnessed colourful processions…

…take home N3.5m prize money Isoko National FC on Friday defeated Ogola FC 1-0 to win the 2026 Gbaramatu Football Championship decided at Oporoza Community field in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State. The only goal of the match was scored in the first minute of the game by Mitchell to make it the fastest goal of the tournament. Both sides put in their best for the rest of the game, which was watched by a capacity crowd. But none was able to score again until the referee blew the final whistle. Gbaramatu Urban FC, who were…

The scheduling of the burials of the late King of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King (Dr.) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, and former Senator Barry Mpigi on the same day has drawn attention to the lingering political tension between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Observers say Governor Fubara should not be faulted for his absence at the service of songs and night of tributes held in honour of Senator Mpigi, as indications suggest he was not formally invited. Sources within the family reportedly opted for caution in order to…